Carbondale ranch to host Western Slope’s first autism walk
Smiling Goat Ranch is hosting the Go Autism Family Fun Walk, the Western Slope’s first-ever autism awareness walk, at 2 p.m. Sunday in Carbondale on the Rio Grande Trail.
Smiling Goat Ranch, an affiliate of the internationally acclaimed Horse Boy Method, brings the healing effects of horses, movement, nature and supportive community to help kids with autism and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, said a statement from the ranch. Smiling Goat does not charge families for services.
Registration begins at 1 p.m. at the Carbondale rodeo grounds. There is no fee to register, but organizers are encouraging participants to get walk sponsors. Anyone who raises $100 by walk day will receive a free T-shirt.
The just-under 5K walk will start at the Carbondale rodeo grounds and proceed on the Rio Grande Trail to Town Hall in Carbondale, where an aid station awaits participants. The aid station will be staffed by Ascendigo, a locally based autism camp.
The Glenwood Springs High School Junior ROTC color guard will lead the walk. The members have also been helping to build a playground at Smiling Goat and working on building the program’s sensory walk.
Smiling Goat Ranch will follow the walk with a party, when the JROTC members will unveil the new playground. Food will be catered by Chef Susie Jimenez and will cost $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Kids under 5 are free.
Registration for the walk is online at http://goautismfamilyfunwalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/smilinggoatranch or call 970-379-1383.
Aspen City Council puts breaks on Old Powerhouse Preservation Project
With many lingering questions still surrounding the fate of Aspen’s historic Old Powerhouse, City Council decided during Monday’s work session to hold off on providing staff direction on moving the preservation project forward until more information can be presented.
